State govt steps in to deal with rain crisis

Looking at the inadequate rainfall in state so far, the Gujarat government has decided to take steps to deal with the crisis. This includes providing water to Tappar dam in Kutch, 10-hour electricity for farmers and cheap fodder.

The situation was reviewed at a high-power meeting chaired by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani on Tuesday. The scanty rainfall in Kutch too was discussed. "As Kutch has received less rain, we have decided to fill its dam with 500 MCFT water from Sardar Sarovar dam. The process will start immediately," said Rupani.

The CM also reviewed the situation of fodder, water for drinking as well as irrigation, and electricity. The meeting was attended by revenue minister Kaushik Patel, agriculture minister RC Faldu, energy minister Saurabh Patel, water supply minister Kunvarji Bavaliya and chief secretary JN Singh.

The government has decided to provide fodder at Rs 2 per kg in 44 talukas where rainfall has been less than 125 mm this season. The fodder will be provided to panjrapols (cow shelters) and to cattle owners. Farmers will be supplied electricity for 10 hours instead of eight for irrigation purpose.

Rainfall has been inadequate in the state. So far, only 26 talukas have received more than 1,000 mm rain while 43 have got between 500 and 1000 mm of rain.

Speaking to reporters later, Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel conceded that the situation was "indeed worrisome" as most of the dams, including Sardar Sarovar Dam, have not received enough water inflow despite the monsoon being halfway through.

"Due to scanty rainfall in the 1,200 km long catchment area of Narmada, water inflow is very little. Against the storage capacity of 5,760 million cubic meters(mcm), Sardar Sarovar dam has only 102 mcm water, just two per cent of its holding capacity," said Patel.

The situation was equally grim in the case of other major dams including Ukai in South Gujarat and Dharoi and Kadana in North and Central Gujarat, he said.

Patel, however, expressed hope that the situation will improve.

"We will give priority to people's needs and reserve water for drinking purposes for now. However, we are confident that people will not face any difficulty as the monsoon is not over yet," he added. With PTI

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